Retractable banner adaptable device

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a Retractable Banner Adaptable device, meant to be assembled into a queue cartridge or post, and to deploy its retractable banner by coupling the male element thereof to the female of another cartridge or post. The retractable banner adaptable device comprises an adaptability system that can be adjusted into the shape of any post model and the girth of any given post infrastructure, thereby preventing the cartridge from being loose and from moving when the banner retractable system is activated. The utility model solves several problems, beginning with the topic of adaptability to any given post model, post contour and post girth thereto fixed. By being adaptable to any post model, one may use already existing infrastructures to assemble the cartridge with retractable mechanism. Another problem solved is the vulnerability of cartridges. By means of their safety mechanism, it is prevented that unauthorized individuals manipulate or destroy the internal mechanism.

The following English translation of the specification is an accurate translation.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device with safety implementation that works as retractable banner equipment in a cartridge or post. Said object works as an add-on for queue posts and is attached to the top side area of the post; its fold-out banner is connected to the “female” bracket of another post by means of the “male” element located at the end of said banner.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

A primary object of the present invention is to provide a device that can be adapted into belt queue barrier posts regardless of their shape, size or design in order to display a retractable screen meant for information, signalization, advertising and further purposes, while using already existing infrastructure.

Another object is to prevent the mechanism from opening and being exposed to the crowd by means of a safety system.

BACKGROUND

There are devices that deploy a retractable banner assisted by a post having the retractable strap mechanism, with its corresponding support elements as support base to provide balance in the post and the cartridge or head on the upper part of the post with a retractable belt therein. Over time, progress has been made in the inventions on the market with the purpose of making posts more practical and innovative.

An example thereof is model Rollersings ® with application No. 201080043023 at the State Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China (SIPO). It is innovative because of its vertical deployment, contrary to the market standard models that deploy their belt in a horizontal manner. The deployed element is supported along two posts, thereby solving the issue in which the retractable belt is too narrow to display an image or text printed on itself.

Another similar example is the invention called “Procedimiento para el tensado de un vallado desmontable” (Spanish for “Procedure for tightening a detachable barrier”), application No. 2 275 484 of the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office. This is the case of an invention that fulfills its function as base for a barrier without it being fixed to the base at the bottom of the posts. Detachable posts ease storage issues and allow for the establishment of an infrastructure that makes possible to install any kind of barrier or system, not only a retractable belt like in other models.

Another similar invention is called “Post for Queue Management System”, with U.S. Pat. No. 6,682,055 at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (better known as US-PTO). Its innovation is a system of posts designed for stacking and storage in a more efficient manner by making possible to stack them on top of each other. Furthermore, the base of the post has wheels to ease its movement. In this manner, said model eases issues found when moving the posts, and at the same time it can be stacked, thereby reducing the required storage area.

Another similar example is the invention called “SEÑALIZABOR MODULAR” (Modular signalization device) with patent No. MX-280275-B at the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property. This model solves stability issues that were occasionally found in earlier designs, given that its modular base may be filled with either solid or liquid materials to substantially improve the balance of the post.

Technical Problem to be Solved

The technical problem to be solved is to allow for using an existing post assembly in conjunction with a retractable cartridge system, i.e. to adapt the cartridge system to any existing post model of any shape or design. The problem presented in this case is that, due to the dissimilarity of the designs of existing posts, not every cartridge can be adapted and fixed without it unintentionally moving during usage.

Another technical problem to be solved is to protect the cartridge in such a manner that its internal mechanism cannot be manipulated by unauthorized individuals with the purpose of safeguarding the system and the retractable banner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In order to solve the problem of adaptability to any post model, several measures have been taken to help the device not to move and to remain steady, beginning by creating a detachable and interchangeable element for the device that adapts to the shape of the post to which it will be attached. This interchangeable element is fixed into the cartridge and then into the post. Therefore, by having a perfectly reversed shape to that of the post in which the element will be attached, the cartridge is prevented from moving during use and the problem is solved.

In order to solve the problem of safety, a method has been devised to seal the post opening with hooks. Once the manufacturing process is completed, the hooks are pressed until they are locked to the other part of the cartridge, thereby making it impossible to open the cartridge with simple pulling. For persons authorized for manipulation, there exists a hole opening in which a special design bit can be inserted to destroy the connection, thereby gaining access for manipulation of the internal mechanism of the cartridge.

By working with the safety device in conjunction with the adaptability design, one can create a cartridge able to work in harmony with any post design. In turn, the safety device prevents any individual without the opening tool from access and internal manipulation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the cartridge with locking devices.

FIG. 2 is an element view of the cartridge detailing the structuring elements that it comprises.

FIG. 3 is an extended view of the cartridge with locking devices.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the cartridge without locking devices.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The novelty of this invention is clearly shown on the accompanying drawings in this application and, in accordance with the description hereafter, in such a manner that alphanumeric references match each of the structural elements that comprise said invention.

With reference to FIG. 1, it relates to a cartridge device with retractable mechanism to be attached into a queue post or cartridge (FIG. 1) and that deploys its retractable banner coupling its male element to the female bracket of another post, characterized because it comprises a left side case and a right side case with accommodation plurality, characterized because they comprise assembly hooks (12) around their girth area.

With reference to FIG. 2, the retractable banner adaptable device is characterized because it comprises: a left side case (5), a right side case (5 a) with internal accommodation plurality, characterized because its internal girth area comprises safety assembly hooks (12), a spring support (1), a banner axis (2), a spring cover (3), a top cover with opening (4), a bit for lock opening (not pictured), view decal (6), support for model shift (7), banner reel (8), male handle (9), front lock (10), back lock (11)

The banner (8) at whose end is a handle (9). Said handle can be male, which will connect to the receiving post, considering that the receiving post has a female bracket; there may also be a variant in whose end is a female handle, which will assemble to the receiving post considering that the receiving post has a part that protrudes from the reel or head with the function of being the male receptor, so that the female handle can be assembled into the receiving post.

The retractable banner adaptable device and its structural parts comply with all and each of these variables, given that, depending on the user's requirements, the product can be developed with the desired alternative, either with a male or with a female case.

The safety mechanism comprises the elements shown in FIG. 2, the top cover with opening (4) and cartridge body (5) and (5 a). Once the internal mechanism of the cartridge has been assembled, the cartridge body is sealed (5) by using the top cover (4) with the safety hooks (12) that prevent it from being opened and from exposing its internal mechanism. The only way of opening it is by inserting the bit in the top opening of the top cover (4). For better stability of the retractable device, and to prevent it from moving either downwards or upwards, a front lock was designed (10) and placed in the lower part of the male handle, whereas a back lock (11) is placed in the lower back side of the cartridge body.

The adaptability Mechanism (FIG. 1) for different post models is based on the support piece for model shift (7). The support piece has a male element to be supported by the female elements of the posts to which it is attached. The piece has also a bend on the sides of the adaptable male, thereby allowing it to take the shape of the post to which it will be fixed. By means of the bend adapting to the shape of the post and the male element, the cartridge is prevented from moving and remains completely fixed when the retractable mechanism is activated.

How is the Mechanism Assembled

First, one must assemble the retractable mechanism, characterized by comprising a support spring (1), and spring cover (3). The banner reel (8) must be placed on the retractable mechanism, assembling the elements of axis for banner (2) and the banner reel. The male handle (9) must be assembled at the end of the retractable banner.

After assembling the retractable mechanism and all its structural parts, it is then placed inside of the cartridge body (5). When all the elements inside the cartridge have been placed, the safety mechanism is activated, thereby closing the external elements of the cartridge (4) and sealing said cartridge with the safety hooks that prevent it from being opened without the opening bit.

Then, the adaptable element called “support for model shift” is fixed (7) into the side of the cartridge so it lets the element adapt (7) into the shape contour of the post. Once this interchangeable element has been fixed, locks (10) and (11) are connected and the cartridge's assembling is completed (see FIG. 1).

Best Way of Carrying Out the Invention

The technician in charge of installing the cartridge in the post must simply place the male element of the cartridge inside the female element of a post for fixing. The support piece for model shift (7) is already adapted into the shape, contour and girth of the post to which it will be attached, thereby preventing movement of the cartridge. Having fixed the cartridge into the mounting post, one must locate the male handle (9) and assemble the front lock in the lower part (10) at the end of the retractable banner (8), which is pulled from the cartridge in such a manner that the strap mechanism is activated. Having pulled the banner to the required length, the male handle at the end of the banner (8) is placed in the female bracket of the post into which it will be fixed. 

Having described our invention in detail, we consider it to be a novelty, and therefore claim as our exclusive property what is contained in the following claims:
 1. Retractable banner adaptable device; that comprises a left side case and a right side case with interior accommodation plurality, characterized because their internal girth area comprises safety assembly hooks, that shape the body of the cartridge or post, that comprises a retractable mechanism, characterized by comprising: a support spring, a banner axis, a spring cover, a top cover with opening, a bit for lock opening, a support for model shift that comprises a bend at the sides of the adaptable male, banner reel, male handle, front lock and back lock.
 2. Retractable banner adaptable device, in accordance with claim 1, characterized also by comprising a cartridge body.
 3. Retractable banner adaptable device, in accordance with claim 1, characterized also by comprising an internal girth area with safety assembly hooks.
 4. Retractable banner adaptable device, in accordance with claim 1, characterized also by comprising a retractable mechanism, characterized by having a spring support, a banner axis, a spring cover, a top cover with opening.
 5. Retractable banner adaptable device, in accordance with claim 1, characterized also by comprising a bit for lock opening.
 6. Retractable banner adaptable device, in accordance with claim 1, characterized also by comprising a support for model shifting.
 7. Retractable banner adaptable device, in accordance with claim 1, characterized also by comprising a bend at the sides of the adaptable male.
 8. Retractable banner adaptable device, in accordance with claim 1, characterized also by comprising a banner reel.
 9. Retractable banner adaptable device, in accordance with claim 1, characterized by comprising a male handle.
 10. Retractable banner adaptable device, in accordance with claim 1, characterized by comprising a lock placed in the lower part of the male handle.
 11. Retractable banner adaptable device, in accordance with claim 1, characterized also by comprising a lock placed in the back of the cartridge. 